After spotting these ever-so-hidden Harry Potter Easter Eggs, it’s clear that Potterheads are among some of the most, if not the most dedicated (and craziest) fans in the world.
It’s not surprising then, that fans have devised quite a few fascinating theories about the movie series.
With the core franchise potentially headed for Max-backed TV adaptation, and with more Fantastic Beasts films (and likely other spinoffs) to come, the theorizing isn’t going to stop any time soon. Already, though, fans have asked some mind-blowing questions that change everything you thought you knew about this beloved, magical series.
Is Malfoy really a werewolf? Does Mary Poppins actually come from the Potter universe? Indeed, these are just a few of the insane conspiracies that fans on Reddit, Quora, and Tumblr have thought up.
Read on as we cover these crazy Harry Potter theories and give our take on whether they make sense or not.
The Craziest Harry Potter Fan Theories
1. Horcruxes are Created by Cannibalism
Theorist: sirlionel13/Reddit
This is the creepiest theory of the bunch, but weirdly, it almost holds up. It’s never truly explained how exactly Voldemort manages to tear his soul into seven Horcruxes. And the theory going around is that he would have eaten his victims, making the crime even more awful, and thus making the creation of the Horcruxes even easier.
According to J.K. Rowling, every Horcrux is created through a murder, a spell, and a horrific act. It’s never fully explained what this “horrific act” is, and the theorist is convinced that it involves “consuming the flesh and blood of your victim.” Why? Because according to history, cannibalism was “associated with gaining strength, power, or health from the dead.” Gruesome, we know.
The Reddit user also clarifies that this theory does not apply to Harry Potter because as J.K. Rowling confirmed, he is not a true Horcrux and never was. Interesting.
Does it Make Sense? It’ll make you squirm, but it does make some sense. Let’s just say we wouldn’t put anything heinous past the Dark Lord.
2. Ron Weasley is a Time-Traveling Dumbledore
Theorist: marciekatheryn/Tumblr
One particularly insane theory claims that Ron Weasley is actually one with Albus Dumbledore, and has time-traveled from the future to help Harry. Fans have pointed out that Harry’s BFF and our wizened Hogwarts headmaster are described in similar ways by Rowling: tall, thin, with pointy noses.
Dumbledore also happens to have a scar on his leg which may coincide with the breaking of Ron’s leg at the end of the third book. Some also consider it strange that Dumbledore and Ron never made direct contact throughout the series…Was future Ron afraid of ruining the timeline?
Does it Make Sense? We like the idea, but unfortunately the extended lore on Ron’s and Dumbledore’s respective families that Rowling revealed throughout the books makes it difficult to believe.
3. There’s a Reason Why Harry, Ron & Hermione Were Put Into Gryffindor
Theorist: pottermoreanalysis/Tumblr
This wild theory states that based on their personalities, Harry should be in Slytherin, Ron in Hufflepuff, and Hermione in Ravenclaw –– but they all ended up in Gryffindor, because they were bold enough to expressly ask it to the Sorting Hat.
Gryffindor does represent bravery, after all, and as the theory claims, “anyone can choose to be brave.” It’s a little bit of a tough look for Ron, given that it implies the Sorting Hat saw so little inherent Gryffindor-ish-ness in him it tried to plant him in a different house than his entire family. All in all, though, the theory has some merit.
Does it Make Sense? This is a pretty good Potter fan theory and one that would be difficult to prove or disprove! It makes sense, but it also doesn’t seem like it’s meant to be true.
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4. Wizards Lost a Battle with the Muggles Years Ago
Theorist: celerita365/Reddit
This crazy theory suggests that Muggles had already fought a whole war against the wizards years ago –– and defeated them. What’s at the root of this theory? In the Goblet of Fire novel, the Minister of Magic must tell the UK’s Prime Minister that he was bringing potentially harmful magical creatures into the UK.
According to the Reddit user, this is a strange thing to do considering the wizarding world is so notoriously separate from the Muggle world. For her, the very fact that the ministry is not called “government of magic” hints that the Ministry of Magic is somewhat a branch of the Muggle’s government. “Muggles killed the most powerful of the wizards, destroyed magical knowledge, and created the Ministry of Magic to keep wizards in check,” the theorist explains.
Does it Make Sense? The Redditor has a point. It’s bizarre that the wizards have to notify the Muggles about dangerous creatures. Nevertheless, the explanation is a bit of a stretch.
5. Neville Had the Wrong Wand
Theorist: minaldaswani/MuggleNet
Throughout the Harry Potter series –– or much of it anyway –– Neville Longbottom is made out to be a weak wizard. While he carries a certain brand of courage, Neville is consistently bungling spells, to the point that he wonders if he might be a “squib” (aka a wizard who can’t do magic).
As pointed out by fans, though, it might have all been the wand’s fault. It is established first that wizards will always have most success with their own wands, and second that Neville uses his father’s wand. That wand breaks, however, and Neville gets his own –– and miraculously improves his capabilities.
Does it Make Sense? Yeah, this one pretty much checks all the boxes of a logical theory. It makes common sense and it’s grounded in facts from the series.
6. J.K. Rowling and Rita Skeeter are the Same Person
Theorist: w1tchb1tch/Reddit
It’s not surprising to see the parallels some fans have drawn between the wizarding world’s snooping journalist (and worst Potter character) and the author of the book series. This theory claims that Rita was banished from the wizarding world after having made up way too many stories. Fans rightfully like to believe that she therefore moved to the Muggles’ world and decided to write a novel to earn money.
This is a somewhat crazy but beautiful theory that would explain how that much imagination could spring from one person alone. Though it’s not exactly a flattering picture to paint of Rowling given the fact that Skeeter is… well… awful.
Does it Make Sense? It doesn’t really have to. While we very much doubt that Rowling intended to portray Skeeter as a version of herself, it’s a fun conspiracy to run with!
7. Harry Dreamed the Whole Thing
Theorist: Drafo7/Reddit
Here’s one of the craziest Harry Potter theories that fans will debunk in a hot second. Could you imagine if Harry hallucinated his entire experience whilst living in the cupboard under the stairs? That would definitely solve plot holes, so hooray for that part, we guess. But at the same time, this cynical take on the franchise is not exactly cheerful. In fact, it’s quite depressing.
Can you just imagine an unwritten final chapter in which 11-year-old Harry wakes up to shake dust and spiders off of himself and go make pancakes for Dudley? It’s almost a darker thought than anything that happens with Voldemort throughout the series.
Does it Make Sense? Not unless Rowling intended for us to dream up a theory that rejects the entire point of the series: injecting some magic into our ordinary lives.
8. ‘The Philosopher’s Stone’ Foreshadows Future Events
Theorist: The Tale of the Brave Three/Fandom
This deep theory may just blow your mind. Still, it kind of rings true and actually makes a lot of sense, symbolically. So here goes: The obstacles that Harry, Ron, and Hermione confront while trying to protect the Philosopher’s Stone all mirror challenges they’re faced with throughout the series.
- Let’s start with the Devil’s Snare, which some fans find similar to the Whomping Willow in The Chamber of Secrets.
- We then have the broom and the winged keys, which might represent the Quidditch match of the third book in which the Dementors attack Harry.
- Then we have the human-sized chess battle, which looked a lot like the cemetery where Harry sees Voldemort at the end of the fourth book.
- Even the potion puzzle is somewhat reminiscent of the potions that Professor Slughorn introduced in the sixth book (which delves into potion-making in more detail than the rest).
- Last but not least, Harry faces Voldemort for the first time at the end of Philosopher’s Stone which of course mirrors the final battle between Harry and the Dark Lord in the final book.
Does it Make Sense? There are certainly some connections there. It’s an interesting theory that some may take as legitimate. Then again, a lot of parallels can be drawn between various aspects of these stories and the wizarding world, and these may be more coincidental than symbolic.
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9. Mary Poppins is From the Harry Potter Universe
Theorist: dannydevito-love/Reddit
This might be the craziest theory of them all. A few fans have a hunch that Mary Poppins, our favorite flying British nanny with a bag deeper than a public swimming pool, might come from Harry’s universe. It would explain a lot about how she is able to do all that she does –– use magic powers, that is.
It’s suggested that she decided to settle back into the Muggle world without renouncing her powers. This might explain why she has an umbrella with power (like Hagrid’s) and a magic bag like Hermione’s. Really, she’s a glass of pumpkin juice away from standing out as an obvious Harry Potter character.
Does it Make Sense? Of course not, but it’s tons of fun to buy into!
10. Dumbledore’s Chocolate Frogs Are a Network
Theorist: gunnerdn91/Reddit
This simple theory is based on three things we know to be true in Harry Potter. The first is that the subjects of paintings are able to leave their frames and visit one another. The second is that Dumbledore is a very popular chocolate frog card. And the third is that Dumbledore seems almost omniscient at Hogwarts.
So what’s the theory? Basically, Dumbledore is using his chocolate frog cards as a sort of surveillance and information network. His frog cards flit about, observe the whole school, and report back to the actual Dumbledore.
Does it Make Sense? It’s unlikely, but it does make sense and it’s a fun theory to roll with.
11. Willy Wonka is George Weasley
Theorist: wolfgirlmusic/Reddit
This is another theory that more or less links a Harry Potter character to another beloved piece of fiction. Fans have theorized that George Weasley survived the battle of Hogwarts and fled to become a candy maker — the candy maker, Willy Wonka, from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory books.
This almost makes sense considering both George and Willy Wonka have that outgoing, creative, and humorous personality. They also both happen to have red hair and hearing loss, as well as a penchant for inventing magical sweets.
Does it Make Sense? Well, it only sort of adds up. George doesn’t just have hearing loss, he’s missing an ear, which Willy Wonka is not. Plus, we don’t really think George would bail on his fellow Weasleys to go and make treats in a mysterious chocolate factory.
12. Draco Malfoy is a Werewolf
Theorist: harryseeker/Mugglenet
Could it be that Draco is actually a werewolf, much like Remus Lupin or Fenrir Greyback? Theory has it that Draco’s dad angered the Dark Lord so much that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named sent Fenrir to infect Draco as a punishment.
This would help explain why the Slytherin villain was described as looking “ill,” “thinner,” and “paler” with “dark shadows beneath his eyes” throughout Half-Blood Prince. Interestingly enough, Lupin got a similar description in Prisoner of Azkaban. It seems that it’s relatively standard for werewolves to look so tired and drawn.
Does it Make Sense? While this Harry Potter theory makes for an interesting chat, it’s been shot down by Rowling herself.
13. Harry and Sirius Are Related by Blood
Theorist: aarushigoel/Reddit
The HP enthusiasts in the online community known as “Pottermore” have long since debunked this theory, but it is still quite believable. So here goes: The Black family tree indicates that a certain Dorea Black eventually married a Charlus Potter with whom she had an unnamed son.
Some believe that these might be either Harry or James Potter’s grandparents. Sometimes, the most interesting theories are that simple. The Potter name is also on the Black family tree on a wall in Sirius’ home.
Does it Make Sense? Evidently, some real sleuthing regarding family backgrounds reveals that this theory doesn’t hold up. But with the Potter name in play, it at least initially made sense.
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14. Crookshanks is Lily Potter’s Reincarnation
Theorist: Rhexernano/Reddit
A theory that would actually make a lot of (wonderful) sense is that Hermione’s big ginger cat might actually be inhabited by Lily Potter. Was this her way of keeping an eye on Harry without invading his privacy?
It kind of explains Crookshanks’ red hair, green eyes, and all-out hatred for Ron’s mouse, Scabbers –– aka Peter Pettigrew, the Potter family’s betrayer. Some have also theorized that Crookshanks used to be owned by Lily Potter. Either way, the idea of the cat having a connection to Harry’s parents is comforting.
Does it Make Sense? No. Lily Potter has to have passed away, because her death was to protect Harry.
15. The Dursleys Hated Harry As He Was a Horcrux
Theorist: Iorith/Reddit
One particularly believable theory suggests that Harry being a Horcrux was what caused his uncle, aunt and cousin to hate and mistreat him. Since we know that Horcruxes make people in their orbits mean and irritated, it’s not difficult to believe that 10 years of raising a human Horcrux might have gotten the better of the Dursleys’ empathetic abilities.
Think back to how cranky Ron got after just a brief time with the locket Horcrux, and this starts to make some sense. Then again, the Dursleys aren’t particularly pleasant to anybody else, either.
Does it Make Sense? It’s a wild theory, but it’s also another one Rowling has debunked.
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16. Harry is Related to King Arthur
Theorist: erics/Mugglenet
There are a lot of Harry Potter theories out there about who Harry might be related to: Salazar Slytherin, Godric Gryffindor, Sirius Black, and more. But another theory that may surprise even some avid fans is that Harry is related to the legendary King Arthur.
We know that the Arthurian legends are present in the world of Harry Potter, because there are references to Merlin (Arthur’s magical ally and adviser). There are also parallels between Arthur and Harry (neither was born into power; both draw swords symbolizing their influence). So would it really be shocking if you learned that Harry was meant to be Arthur’s long-lost great-great-great grandson?
Does it Make Sense? It makes sense, but it’s unclear whether or not it’s in play. J.K. Rowling has actually referred to T.H. White’s version of King Arthur as a “spiritual ancestor” to Harry. This likely means they’re not actually related, but it’s interesting that the connection is intentional.
17. Harry and Ron Predicted the ‘Goblet of Fire’
Theorist: thehpfactsis/Tumblr
Here’s another clever fan theory: Remember when Ron and Harry made up their own predictions for Divination? Could it be that these predictions were in fact very accurate concerning the Goblet of Fire events?
Consider the duo’s predictions: “Put in danger of burns” might mirror the dragons in the first Triwizard Tournament task; “Loses a treasured possession” might represent losing a loved one in the second task; “Stabbed in the back by a friend” could refer to Professor Moody’s “betrayal,” and last but not least, “come off worse in a fight” obviously alludes to Harry’s fight with Voldemort in the graveyard. #Mindblown
Does it Make Sense? Yeah, this one makes perfect sense. It seems intentional by Rowling.
18. The Centaurs Knew Harry’s Destiny
Theorist: AaravR22/Reddit
This theory suggests that the centaurs of the Forbidden Forest have known about Harry’s entire destiny from day one. On Quora, a user pointed out that Harry’s encounter with the centaur Firenze in The Philosopher’s Stone had much more significance than we thought.
Remember when the other centaurs immediately asked Firenze how much he told Harry? Well, what he’d mentioned was a hint that Harry was meant to die in the forest by Voldemort’s hand. Since that’s what happens years later, it’s possible that the centaurs already knew that Harry and Voldemort would eventually get into a final battle in this very forest. They just weren’t allowed to tell anyone because of… centaur policy…
Does it Make Sense? This one seems intentional. It makes sense and it’s easy to buy, even if it’s not particularly consequential.
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19. The Dementors are Constantly on Harry for a Reason
Theorist: Reddit user
The Dementors seem to have it out for Harry, and largely ignore other students. Well, it’s possible that this theory tells us exactly why Harry is so popular with the Dementors.
Simply put, by having part of Voldemort’s soul attached to him and all, Harry does ultimately have more soul (aka Dementor feed) than anyone else. So maybe that’s all it is; the Dementors just seek a bit of extra soul snack attached to Harry, and harass him accordingly.
Does it Make Sense? It makes a little sense, but it’s still unlikely. Really, the Dementors just seemed to hone in on Harry because his particularly harrowing past was more delicious to them than the average misfortune.
Bonus fact about the Harry Potter world? Rowling based the Dementors on her own experiences of depression following the death of her mother! You’ve got shivers, we know.
20. Harry and Hermione Are Siblings
Theorist: harrypotterfantheories/Tumblr
There is a Tumblr theory out there that Harry and Hermione are actually siblings. Is it ridiculous? Sure. But the gist of it is actually pretty easy to follow: Lily and James Potter had a second child alongside Harry and gave her (Hermione) up for adoption.
Hermione was supposedly aware of the connection while Harry was not, but rather than tell him anything she chose to help protect him –– as Lily would have wanted.
Does it Make Sense? This theory isn’t completely outlandish, but it’s probably not be necessary. Hermione and Harry work beautifully as friends, and she’s plenty protective without Lily’s blood running through her veins.
So there you have them, folks! 20 of the best Harry Potter theories surrounding the ever-fascinating wizarding world!
Were you surprised by any of these ‘conspiracies’? Or did you know them all already? Let us know in the comments and don’t hesitate to share your own crazy theories. The crazier, the better!
Originally published in October 2018.
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